FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ferndale Junior High Students Recognized in Countywide Cursive Writing Contest
Ferndale, CA Three Ferndale Junior High students placed among the top winners in this year’s countywide Preamble Cursive Writing Contest hosted by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The annual contest invites students from across Humboldt County to handwrite the Preamble to the United States Constitution in cursive, helping preserve the importance of handwriting and its role in documenting the nation’s history.
This year’s winners from Ferndale Junior High include Mareya Baxley, who earned first place, and Kenadi Cook and Alex Griffith, who tied for fourth place.
Each student received a certificate and a fountain pen set with multiple nibs and a wax seal to recognize their achievement.
Ferndale Junior High Students Recognized in Countywide Cursive Writing Contest
Ferndale, CA Three Ferndale Junior High students placed among the top winners in this year’s countywide Preamble Cursive Writing Contest hosted by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The annual contest invites students from across Humboldt County to handwrite the Preamble to the United States Constitution in cursive, helping preserve the importance of handwriting and its role in documenting the nation’s history.
This year’s winners from Ferndale Junior High include Mareya Baxley, who earned first place, and Kenadi Cook and Alex Griffith, who tied for fourth place.
Each student received a certificate and a fountain pen set with multiple nibs and a wax seal to recognize their achievement.
Ferndale Elementary School District Announces Monthly Virtual Office Hours for Staff, Parents, and Community
Ferndale, CA — Ferndale Elementary School District Superintendent/Principal Danielle Carmesin is launching monthly virtual office hours to strengthen communication, transparency, and engagement across the school community.
These virtual sessions are designed to provide an open and accessible space for participants to ask questions, share feedback, raise concerns, and offer ideas. There is no formal agenda.
Attendees may join for the full session or drop in as their schedules allow.
To ensure focused and meaningful dialogue, separate sessions will be held for the following groups:
• Certificated Staff
Date: March 16, 2026 (Third Monday of the Month)
Time: 3:45 p.m
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81174065107?pwd=CbYPAJPQORoSqbX4OpEZ0TxejOqAb6.1&jst=2
• Classified Staff
Date: March 17, 2026 (Third Tuesday of the Month)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81174065107?pwd=CbYPAJPQORoSqbX4OpEZ0TxejOqAb6.1&jst=2
• Parents/Guardians
Date: March 5, 2026 (First Thursday of the Month)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86310715642?pwd=BSfE7CgKe06l1K0cjmSL4xT3t2SidF.1&jst=2
• Community Members
Date: March 13, 2026 (Second Friday of the Month)
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86917620503?pwd=Yp2bql3S2YtInGKbl53oFbahrsgYCh.1&jst=2
“These monthly office hours are an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and ensure that all voices in our school community have a space to be heard,” said Carmesin. “Open communication and collaboration are essential to supporting our students and continuing our work of continuous improvement.”
All sessions are voluntary and open to the designated audience listed above. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance if desired, though this is not required.
For additional information, please contact:
Danielle Carmesin
Superintendent/Principal
Ferndale Elementary School District
dcarmesin@ferndalek12.org
Ferndale, CA — Ferndale Elementary School District Superintendent/Principal Danielle Carmesin is launching monthly virtual office hours to strengthen communication, transparency, and engagement across the school community.
These virtual sessions are designed to provide an open and accessible space for participants to ask questions, share feedback, raise concerns, and offer ideas. There is no formal agenda.
Attendees may join for the full session or drop in as their schedules allow.
To ensure focused and meaningful dialogue, separate sessions will be held for the following groups:
• Certificated Staff
Date: March 16, 2026 (Third Monday of the Month)
Time: 3:45 p.m
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81174065107?pwd=CbYPAJPQORoSqbX4OpEZ0TxejOqAb6.1&jst=2
• Classified Staff
Date: March 17, 2026 (Third Tuesday of the Month)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81174065107?pwd=CbYPAJPQORoSqbX4OpEZ0TxejOqAb6.1&jst=2
• Parents/Guardians
Date: March 5, 2026 (First Thursday of the Month)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86310715642?pwd=BSfE7CgKe06l1K0cjmSL4xT3t2SidF.1&jst=2
• Community Members
Date: March 13, 2026 (Second Friday of the Month)
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86917620503?pwd=Yp2bql3S2YtInGKbl53oFbahrsgYCh.1&jst=2
“These monthly office hours are an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and ensure that all voices in our school community have a space to be heard,” said Carmesin. “Open communication and collaboration are essential to supporting our students and continuing our work of continuous improvement.”
All sessions are voluntary and open to the designated audience listed above. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance if desired, though this is not required.
For additional information, please contact:
Danielle Carmesin
Superintendent/Principal
Ferndale Elementary School District
dcarmesin@ferndalek12.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ferndale Elementary Students Excel at Eel River Valley Regional Spelling Bee
Ferndale, CA — Ferndale Elementary School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at the Eel River Valley Regional Spelling Bee, held in February at Scotia Elementary School.
Michael Glines, a 5th grade student in Mrs. Busher’s class, earned 1st Place in the 4th–6th grade division. Competing against top spellers across three grade levels, Michael demonstrated exceptional preparation and composure. With this impressive victory, he will advance to the Humboldt County Spelling Bee, which will be held at the Humboldt County Office of Education on March 5th, where he will represent the Eel River Valley.
In the same 4th–6th grade competition, Brisa Daniels, a 6th grade student in Mrs. Truscott’s class, achieved 3rd Place, showcasing determination and strong spelling skills throughout the event.
Everleigh Keener, a 7th grade student in Mrs. Silacci’s homeroom, earned 3rd Place in the 7th–8th grade division, demonstrating academic excellence and poise among older competitors.
This marks the third consecutive year that Ferndale Elementary has been represented at the county-level competition. In 2024, Ferndale Elementary student Violet Moore advanced beyond the county competition to compete at the state level — a testament to the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence.
“These students demonstrated not only strong academic skills, but also confidence, perseverance, and poise under pressure,” school representatives shared. “We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented our school and community.”
The entire Ferndale Elementary community congratulates Michael, Brisa, Everleigh, and recognizes Violet Moore’s previous achievement, while wishing Michael the very best as he advances to the county competition on March 5th.
Ferndale Elementary Students Excel at Eel River Valley Regional Spelling Bee
Ferndale, CA — Ferndale Elementary School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at the Eel River Valley Regional Spelling Bee, held in February at Scotia Elementary School.
Michael Glines, a 5th grade student in Mrs. Busher’s class, earned 1st Place in the 4th–6th grade division. Competing against top spellers across three grade levels, Michael demonstrated exceptional preparation and composure. With this impressive victory, he will advance to the Humboldt County Spelling Bee, which will be held at the Humboldt County Office of Education on March 5th, where he will represent the Eel River Valley.
In the same 4th–6th grade competition, Brisa Daniels, a 6th grade student in Mrs. Truscott’s class, achieved 3rd Place, showcasing determination and strong spelling skills throughout the event.
Everleigh Keener, a 7th grade student in Mrs. Silacci’s homeroom, earned 3rd Place in the 7th–8th grade division, demonstrating academic excellence and poise among older competitors.
This marks the third consecutive year that Ferndale Elementary has been represented at the county-level competition. In 2024, Ferndale Elementary student Violet Moore advanced beyond the county competition to compete at the state level — a testament to the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence.
“These students demonstrated not only strong academic skills, but also confidence, perseverance, and poise under pressure,” school representatives shared. “We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented our school and community.”
The entire Ferndale Elementary community congratulates Michael, Brisa, Everleigh, and recognizes Violet Moore’s previous achievement, while wishing Michael the very best as he advances to the county competition on March 5th.
Save the Date!
Good Afternoon,
I am excited to announce that Will Stephens has accepted the position of serving as our FES 7th- and 8th-grade ELA Teacher. Mr. Stephens will be a dynamic addition to our fantastic Junior High program. Please extend a warm welcome to Mr. Stephens from the Ferndale Unified School District.
Hear from Mr. Stephens'
I am thrilled to join the team at Ferndale Elementary as the 7th- and 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher.
I was fortunate to have had great English teachers throughout high school. Still, my AP English teacher in my junior year was one of the greatest educators I have ever known, with a passion for English that was truly contagious. When I graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 2009, inspired by her, I enrolled at Humboldt State University as an English major with the goal of becoming an English teacher. I graduated from HSU in 2014, having changed my major to Communication. My lofty goal as an idealistic young person was to feed the world.
I worked various jobs as an organic farmer, finally settling as an oyster farmer on Humboldt Bay, but the draw to teach always remained. After we had our first child, Mac, I decided it was time to make the switch. I initially sought to teach science, which I did for the first four years of my teaching career, along with various math courses, at the Academy of the Redwoods.
I love science, and it will always be a part of my life; however, I am thrilled to pursue my longest-held teaching aspiration finally. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my wife and two sons, Mac and Trey. We enjoy spending time outside in nature, gardening, and the slow pace that small-town living affords. I look forward to seeing familiar faces in my workplace and working to better this community I love so much.
Thank you,
Will
I am excited to announce that Will Stephens has accepted the position of serving as our FES 7th- and 8th-grade ELA Teacher. Mr. Stephens will be a dynamic addition to our fantastic Junior High program. Please extend a warm welcome to Mr. Stephens from the Ferndale Unified School District.
Hear from Mr. Stephens'
I am thrilled to join the team at Ferndale Elementary as the 7th- and 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher.
I was fortunate to have had great English teachers throughout high school. Still, my AP English teacher in my junior year was one of the greatest educators I have ever known, with a passion for English that was truly contagious. When I graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 2009, inspired by her, I enrolled at Humboldt State University as an English major with the goal of becoming an English teacher. I graduated from HSU in 2014, having changed my major to Communication. My lofty goal as an idealistic young person was to feed the world.
I worked various jobs as an organic farmer, finally settling as an oyster farmer on Humboldt Bay, but the draw to teach always remained. After we had our first child, Mac, I decided it was time to make the switch. I initially sought to teach science, which I did for the first four years of my teaching career, along with various math courses, at the Academy of the Redwoods.
I love science, and it will always be a part of my life; however, I am thrilled to pursue my longest-held teaching aspiration finally. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my wife and two sons, Mac and Trey. We enjoy spending time outside in nature, gardening, and the slow pace that small-town living affords. I look forward to seeing familiar faces in my workplace and working to better this community I love so much.
Thank you,
Will
We've added over 20 books to our library collection this year with memorial donations. Each book donated in memory of someone features a special bookplate inside, commemorating that individual.
This year books were donated in honor of the following:
Glenda Miller, Evelyn Paine, Silvia Leonardo, John Nunes, Peter Russ, Bob Parker, Phil Aycock and Paul George.
What a fantastic week we had in the library! Grandparents participated as guest readers during our K-3 class visits. Our special guests included Great Grandparents Sal and Judi Pollace, as well as Jeannette Shinn, Lori Acorn, Merritt Brodt, and Linda Russ. We were also thrilled to have two former staff members, Carrie Coppini and Jodi McKay, return to read to their Grandchildren's classes.
We appreciate everyone who contributed by bringing their piggy banks, cards, and e-wallets to shop at the book fair. Last week was incredibly exciting for many of our young readers, making it the most successful fair ever at FES. The funds raised, totaling over $1900, will be used to buy new books for our library to benefit our students.
A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who made this event possible. Special recognition goes to Christina Ghidinelli for her invaluable assistance with planning, setup, daily sales, and the final wrap-up.
Today and tomorrow the Book Fair is open from 12:30-3:30. Friday morning the sale is open from 8:10-9:00, then it's time to call it a rap. The Book Fair is the annual fund raiser for our school library.
Clarifying information regarding Proposed Layoffs:
I believe there is an error in the article “Layoffs May Be Coming at Ferndale Schools” in the Ferndale Enterprise from March 20th. The February 26th recommendation was 6.35 FTE certificated and 3.75 FTE classified. At the March 12th meeting, the board passed 3.68 FTE certificated and 10.575 FTE classified.
The numbers in the article referring to the February 26th meeting were switched. It reads, “In February, Superintendent Danielle Carmesin recommended reducing teaching staff, referred to as ‘certificated employees,’ by the equivalent of 3.75 full-time employees (FTEs). “ That should be 6.35.
Then it says, “Carmesin also proposed laying off 6.35 classified employees who are not teaching.” That number should be 3.75.The numbers were switched.
The article makes it look like the district increased layoffs in classified and barely reduced certificated. Still, the district reduced the certificated layoffs by 2.67 FTE (from the original recommendation in February). A tremendous amount of thought and time went into this, and it would be great if a correction could be printed in The Enterprise so the information is accurate.
It opens today! 12:30-3:30 this Monday-Thursday, Friday 8:10-9:00am. The Scholastic Book Fair. Thanks so much to all the parents and volunteers to set up the fair and are helping at the sale.
The Book Fair is here! It will open for sales on Monday, March 24th, coinciding with Parent Conference Week. If you're unable to attend but would like to enable your child to shop without cash, consider using the e-wallet option.
The Book Fair is Coming
March 24th - March 28th
During Parent Conferences , in the Gym
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ferndaleelementaryschool
Author, Robin Newman, did a presentation to FES 1st-4th Grade students last Friday. Newman, who resides in New York, traveled to Ferndale as part as the Humboldt County Children's Author Festival.
After her visit to Ferndale, Newman commented, "It was such a pleasure speaking with your AMAZING students today. I loved all of their insightful questions, comments, and observations. And I haven't even mentioned their incredible artwork. All I can say is that Ferndale Elementary made this NY author feel very special. "
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Our community donated and invested $230,000 in Ferndale High School graduates. On average, each student earned $6,000.00 in financial assistance for college, trade school, and the workforce.
We had another wonderful week of Grandparents reading in the library.
Marcie Titus read to Mrs. Soderman's Class, Jenny Fisk-Becker read to Mrs. Currier's Class, Mary Rudden read to Mrs. Maxon's Class, Libby Titus read to Mrs. Smith's Class, Lori Larson read to Ms. Rodriguez's Class, Melanie Sousa read to Mrs. Brazil's Kindergarten, and Katie Schrum read to Mrs. Soli's Kindergarten.
Retired teacher and GREAT Grandmother, Judy Dixon visited the library this week. She read to her Great Grandson Treycn's class. Treycn is in Mrs. Griffith's 1st grade.
Ferndale Unified School District has a rich ACADEMIC and ATHLETIC history of producing phenomenal students who are connected to their community.
Here's how our students feel about school connectedness, caring adult relationships, and school safety. We aren't perfect but we are the best school district in Humboldt County.
Our student data shows the growth our teachers and administrators are making to improve students who will make positive contributions to our community and the world.
"Two Schools, One District, One Family, UNIFIED by LOYALTY"
Mrs. Busher's students finished their state projects. Check out their creativity. Well done, 5th graders.
We've had a wonderful week of Grandparents as guest readers in the library this week. We celebrate the bond between families and our school. This week's readers were: Kay Rigney with Mrs. Boyd's TK class, Laurel Johnson with Mrs. Stephen's 5th/6th Grade, Cindy Michel with Mrs. Forman's 4th Grade and Don Witherspoon with Mrs. Busher's 5th Grade.
As we wrap up our school year, we'll have more Grandparents visiting the library next week.
